Obama Backs Omar as 2 Federal Probes Trigger 5 Million-View Backlash
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 19
Obama Backs Omar as 2 Federal Probes Trigger 5 Million-View Backlash
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 19
Summary
Barack Obama defended Rep. Ilhan Omar in a Sunday post, calling the federal scrutiny of the Minnesota Democrat political intimidation as she faces investigations into her immigration history and finances.
Two federal probes are now centered on Omar—one examining alleged fraud in immigration paperwork tied to her citizenship, the other reviewing financial disclosures after federal agents raided her Washington home last week.
More than 5 million views quickly turned Obama’s post into a conservative flashpoint, with critics citing IRS scrutiny of Tea Party groups and the Trump-Russia investigation to accuse him of hypocrisy.
The White House rejected Obama’s claim of selective targeting, saying Trump has not weaponized the Justice Department, while Omar’s office called the raid an abuse of power and said she had done nothing wrong.
Trump has denied directing the case and said it is up to the Justice Department, leaving the probes to deepen a broader fight over whether federal law enforcement is being used against political opponents.